Coatings Chemist II

CPS Inc.; Walled Lake (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CPS Inc. in Michigan seeks a senior Formulation Chemist to lead R&D for water- and solvent-based coatings from concept through commercialization, working in a hands-on laboratory environment.

Responsibilities include developing and optimizing formulations, evaluating materials, and scaling from lab to manufacturing, while documenting procedures and collaborating across teams to drive product improvements. Commutable to Walled Lake, MI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field.
• 15+ years of R&D formulation experience with water-based and/or solvent-based coatings (5-10 years also considered).
• Hands-on coatings formulation experience.
• Analytical laboratory experience, including FTIR.
• Excellent documentation and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize water- and solvent-based coating formulations to meet product performance requirements.
• Formulate new products and improve existing formulations for coating applications.
• Analyze technical challenges and determine methods and experimental approaches.
• Evaluate raw materials including polymers, additives, solvents, and other coating components.
• Conduct feasibility studies and product development research; scale formulations to manufacturing.
• Establish testing methods and evaluate properties; interpret data and provide recommendations.

Skills

Hands-on coating formulation

Analytical lab experience

Documentation

Multitasking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

FTIR

Job description

Base Salary: $80,000–$120,000 Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, and 401(k)

Join an established R&D team developing innovative water- and solvent-based coating formulations for a wide range of industrial applications. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced formulation chemist who enjoys owning projects from concept through commercialization while working independently in a hands-on laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize water- and solvent-based coating formulations to meet product performance requirements.
• Formulate new products and improve existing formulations for a variety of coating applications.
• Analyze technical challenges and determine appropriate methods and experimental approaches.
• Evaluate raw materials, including polymers, additives, solvents, and other coating components.
• Conduct feasibility studies, proof-of-concept work, and product development research.
• Scale formulations from laboratory development through manufacturing and commercialization.
• Establish testing methods and evaluate chemical, physical, performance, and stability properties.
• Interpret test data and provide technical recommendations.
• Prepare product samples for customer evaluation and approval.
• Support cost reduction initiatives and continuous product improvements.
• Research emerging technologies, competitive products, and industry trends.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting during scale-up and production.
• Prepare detailed technical reports documenting procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, testing instruments, chemical inventory, and laboratory supplies.
• Assist with laboratory equipment selection and purchasing.
• Support SDS management and regulatory documentation.
• Follow laboratory and plant safety procedures while maintaining an organized work environment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and participate in continuous improvement and LEAN initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field.
• 15+ years of R&D formulation experience with water-based and/or solvent-based coatings (candidates with 5-10 years of strong formulation experience may also be considered).
• Hands-on coatings formulation experience.
• Analytical laboratory experience, including FTIR.
• Excellent laboratory documentation, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with QMS, DOE methodologies, and SPC.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Polymer chemistry experience.
• Experience with 1K and 2K coating systems.
• Experience evaluating or purchasing laboratory equipment.
• Experience supporting product scale-up and commercialization.

Commutable to Walled Lake, Michigan.